“While running,” the supervisor explained, “we found your world with a type of scan that—it does not matter. You wouldn’t understand. Enough to say that we found you and your world, rich with the organics and other raw materials we needed in order to be able to continue our flight. We would have stayed longer and demanded more, but the same technology that enabled us to find you also alerted us to the approach of those whose vessel we have appropriated. With no time to linger lest we be found and trapped, we had to depart in haste.” Tilenyii’s eyes were large and limpid, but her voice was steel.

“This is what led to your present misfortune. We did not intend it, but we could not avoid it. Until some final decision is made regarding your fate and your future, consider yourselves guests. You may roam freely about the ship. You do not know enough to damage anything.” The A'jeiian supervisor paused before adding, “You may even continue to ask questions.”

Dev had one. “You stole this ship. Yet you seem to have no trouble flying it.”

“‘Flying’?” It took Tilenyii a moment to understand. “The ship, like any interstellar vessel, essentially ‘flies’ itself. Myself, Captain Syrenii, the rest of the A'jeii and the Olone and even the Kaijank, are merely passengers.”

Dev frowned. “But the control center—I saw several dozen of your kind as well as others active at what appeared to be control consoles and such.”

“Effective backup requires efficient input. The ship is not wholly independent of its passengers. It requires some direction. We provide that. The A'jeii are very adept at such things.” As an afterthought she added, “As on occasion are the Olone.”

“And the Kaijank?” Dev wondered.

“Their physical presence and appearance is naturally intimidating. A very useful element when bluffing another species and such.” A small, barely audible buzz sounded from the vicinity of her waistband. “I am being asked to supply some of that input of which I just spoke. While you will not be returning to your world of birth, you have before you an opportunity to see and learn such things as your primitive species can only have imagined. Some sentients would consider that a fair tradeoff. Explore the ship. Ask your questions. Survive.” She turned and walked briskly away, trailed by a somewhat chastened Vantolos.

Feeling exceedingly lost, emotionally empty, and not a little stupid, Dev watched them go. Then he remembered not only where he was, but who he was. His companions needed to be told. He wondered if they would believe him.

If not, he mused as he turned back down the corridor, they could always ask their own questions.

Pavesi couldn’t stop laughing. Dev couldn’t tell if the tears running down her face were of amusement or pain. A somber Reed growled at her.

“What are you cackling at? What’s so funny?”